Hong Kong is contemplating modifications to its cryptocurrency regulatory framework, significantly regarding over-the-counter (OTC) digital asset buying and selling companies.
The Securities and Futures Fee (SFC) could play a bigger position in overseeing the sector, working alongside the Customs and Excise Division (C&ED), based on a latest report from the South China Morning Publish.
Hong Crypto OTC To Be Regulated
Notably, the proposed modifications would shift from the present system, the place the C&ED primarily handles OTC companies. For context, OTC companies facilitate direct, personal cryptocurrency transactions between massive events, bypassing the necessity for a public change.
South China Morning Publish reported that the SFC’s potential involvement in regulating OTC companies would align it with its broader obligations over the monetary markets, doubtlessly offering extra readability for the crypto trade.
Citing unnamed sources accustomed to the discussions, the report additional disclosed that the SFC has consulted with trade gamers on this new licensing regime.
The SFC and the C&ED collaboration could be a key a part of these regulatory developments, addressing issues in regards to the separation of obligations between the 2 entities.
Along with OTC buying and selling companies, the SFC can also be exploring introducing a licensing regime for cryptocurrency custodian companies, a vital aspect of the market’s infrastructure.
Why The Regulation On OTC?
Hong Kong’s method to cryptocurrency regulation follows the numerous monetary losses and rising issues over fraud within the sector.
Based on the report, the collapse of JPEX, specifically, has pushed authorities to look nearer on the position of OTC companies, which have develop into “major avenues for channeling retail traders’ funds” into illicit schemes.
The report highlighted additional that these companies typically function by means of “bodily outlets”, a lot of which have been tied to fraudulent actions, highlighting the necessity for extra “stringent oversight.”
In response to the rising dangers, an SFC consultant famous:
To foster the sustainable and accountable improvement of the digital belongings trade in Hong Kong, the SFC works carefully with the federal government and different regulators in creating a sturdy, clear and constant regulatory atmosphere in Hong Kong
Nonetheless, regardless of the appreciable justification for regulating the OTC crypto sector within the area, the report talked about that people are nonetheless frightened about how the regulation will work, noting:
Some within the trade complained that placing all OTC outlets underneath the C&ED, which regulates cash changers, was inflicting confusion on condition that the SFC regulates different areas of crypto funding.
Regardless, the Monetary Providers and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), which initially sought public suggestions on the OTC rules over a two-month session interval famous that the proposal acquired “common assist from respondents.”
Moreover, though the complete outcomes of the session are but to be launched, the FTB disclosed that the bureau is now reviewing the design of the regulatory framework based mostly on the suggestions offered.
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